Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Tonami Clan Memorial Tourist Village

This was one of my favorite spots on the Right Start Tours when we arrived. It was very rushed and I've planned to go back and explore at my own pace. We went back last Saturday, when the girls were here, only to discover it was closed. Mike took the van to work today - the tire may be ready. That left us a car that was drivable without worry of exploding tires. We decided to head to Tonami. I called first. ::snort::

The drive to the memorial included rain, snow, hail and slush. We were the ONLY people at the "Samurai house" and at the village. This makes it so nice to explore and linger...and get photos without a tourist's ear in the corner of the photo.

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Hirosawa Yasutou, from the Tonami Clan, is famous for bringing Western farming techniques to Japan. He had his farm/ranch here in Misawa.
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It is said that to convince the Emperor that he should be allowed to experiment with farming and ranching, rather than hold a political position, he took to breeding war horses. This kept with the Japanese government of the time's policy of "wealthy nation and strong army." This area is famous for it's horses.
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The memorial is set up with life exhibits in the home.

We warned them to duck ::snort:: That's the door jam.

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Set in a bamboo grove
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Do you think this is a picnic table?
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There is a museum with farm equipment. That's all we saw on the tour. TODAY we discovered there is also a village set up with displays and statues, animals, golf, go-carts, battery cars, miniature golf (of course those are seasonal). We'll be back when it warms up. There was also a store where we bought some produce and such from.

I didn't buy this....

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Raw, local honey - yum - but not worth over $36 a quart. I'll keep looking.

We weren't able to read many of the exhibits....maybe when Ryu and Kim are here we'll visit again. LOL They did have some of the signs in English.

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We were thrilled when Jared first (and then I helped out)were able to carry on a whole conversation with the gardener to verify that we were allowed to walk amongst the animal pens. We're a great team.

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In addition there were peacocks, roosters, chickens and some animals we couldn't identify.

This sign amused us as we imagined HOW to play golf without breaking rule number 1.

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There was a Christmas Tree filled with little Miss Veedols....I really need to go back and catch the light ceremony in the next couple of nights.

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Arielle, Nolan and I figured this sign out...I think....

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It would be 69 and so we are guessing this is a sign to the Residence of 69 Kinds of Wild Herbs, as there was literature about Yasutou putting on a show of his findings of the 69 kinds of wild herbs eaten by cattle and horses. He also wrote a book titled, "Five Year Story of Running a Ranch."

This was a fun outing. On our way home I took a "short cut" which ended up not being a short cut to the POL road but to Towada.....I think it may be quicker for us to take that route to Aomori. My kids are such pros. Not one whimper about being lost as we climbed the snowy hills....it was an ADVENTURE! ::snort::

Driving directions are here if you'd like a direct route to the Memorial.

JOSIAH & JAMIN ARE HOME!
Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Another Day?

I still am housebound due to the tire issue. We are hoping to have a new one tomorrow.

I took the opportunity of being housebound to do some housework.

I composed the Protestant News.

Akiko had invited us to go to the shrine with her on New Years'. Times conflicted with taking the girls to the airport. We rescheduled for today. When I explained the tire situation, she suggested that she come here and we could talk about Japanese Culture. How often do you get the opportunity to visit a foreign country and visit with a local who is willing to answer your questions and teach you about her culture? We spent 2 1/2 hours visiting. Because it was in a context where we were mutually sharing, and SHE brought up topics, we were able to ask and discover things we would have considered impolite to bring up otherwise. I'm processing. It was enligthening. God is working.

Akiko gave us the names of some of her favorite restaurants and spots that she thinks are worth visiting with the boys.

We had dinner. Some played games. I responded to several PWOC emails. It's fun to start to hear from various Presidents around our region. I'm praying about the spring travel schedule and how it will mesh with Mike's deployment.

Mike got his official tasking. We know WHERE his combat training will be, but still not when. He'll be out of here well before Easter. Unfortunately, we'd thought his training would be in San Antonio - but it will be in NJ.....guess he won't be visiting the boys.

Bed time.
JOSIAH & JAMIN ARE HOME!
Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...